Another surprise has emerged on the sports scene as Major League Baseball decided that all World Series games of each league will be played in one stadium.
The National League bracket games will be held in the Texas Rangers’ Globe Life Field and the Houston Astros’ Minute Maid Park. While the American League games will be held in the San Diego Padres’ Petco Park and the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Dodger Stadium. The champions of each league will meet in the Globe Life Field.
Although it might seem insignificant, this change will still affect the players.
“I think it will be easier for the players as they will get to know the park,” said CJ Masciel, sophomore undeclared major and infielder on the CBU baseball team. “But for the teams that are playing at their home ballparks, it will be a huge advantage.”
There will be a positive and negative affect on every team, but the home ground advantage will not be as significant as normal seasons as spectators are still not allowed to attend the games. But Masciel said the home teams will still benefit the most as they are more familiar with the ballpark.
Travel days can be a disadvantage and an advantage. Masciel said players will be able to rest and get into a normal routine without jet lag and travel.
Jenna Washburn, senior film major and Dodgers fan, said having those travel days is crucial to pitchers’ recovery and playing consecutive games would mean that the players will be playing on consecutive days.
“Luckily the Dodgers have a deep pitching staff, so hopefully that won’t be a big problem,” Washburn said.
Washburn added the Arlington Park has a high back wall and it will be a disadvantage for teams with hard hitters, as it will be harder for them to hit home runs.
Tickets for the World Series went on sale Oct. 6, and fans will be able to watch the games live. Tickets will let fans into pods that are six feet apart from each other. Fans in the stadium would give teams playing closer to home the advantage of having fans attend cheering them on.
Gary Adcock, head coach of men’s baseball, said home team advantage will be largely decreased if there are no spectators.
“Fans give off an energy that is understated,” Adcock said. “Having them in the stadium will benefit the game.”
The playoffs are currently underway as fans wait to attend the World Series in person with social distancing protocols rather than watching on a screen. The World Series will be held Oct. 20-21 at Arlington Park, Texas.
